News Focus
- Ben Gannon-Doak says he is fully fit after Euro 2024 heartbreak
- Scotland return to World Cup finals for first time since 1998
- Steve Clarke’s squad lands in USA for pre-tournament camp
- Tartan Army face Bolivia in friendly before Haiti opener
- Squad blends youth with experience ahead of Morocco and Brazil clashes
Steve Clarke has landed in the United States with his Scotland squad as the nation ends a 28-year wait for World Cup football. The group arrived on Sunday to begin their preparations for the tournament finals.
Among the 26 players is Bournemouth winger Ben Gannon-Doak. The 20-year-old suffered heartbreak two years ago when injury forced him out of the European Championship. He now sees that disappointment as a hidden advantage.
“The Euros came too early for me,” he explained. “I would not have played to my full ability.”
The midfielder feels he is now in peak condition. He believes the extra time has allowed him to develop into a stronger player for the biggest stage.
Scotland’s squad contains a striking mix of youth and experience. Eight members were born after the 1998 tournament in France. Only 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon remains from that generation.
Gannon-Doak highlighted the positive atmosphere. Youngsters bring fearless energy, while senior players offer wisdom from their many caps. He described this blend as the squad’s greatest asset.
The player is optimistic about making history. No Scotland side has ever advanced beyond the group stage at a World Cup. He claims this team has the tools to break that pattern.
The squad will face Bolivia in a friendly match this Saturday. Their World Cup journey begins against Haiti on June 14. They will also meet Morocco and Brazil in the group phase.